Executive approval to end Petroleum Exploration and Licensing is welcome: Archibald
Date published:
Economy Minister, Dr. Caoimhe Archibald, has welcomed the Executive’s agreement to introduce legislation which will permanently end petroleum exploration and licensing here.
The Executive has endorsed the introduction of the Petroleum Exploration and Licensing (Repeal) Bill, which will remove the Department for the Economy’s statutory powers to issue licences for petroleum exploration or extraction.
Minister Archibald said: “The Executive’s approval of this Bill marks a significant milestone in my commitment to decarbonisation, as a key pillar of my economic vision for the north.
“The evidence is clear: petroleum development will not deliver meaningful economic benefit for our region, carries significant environmental and community risks, and is incompatible with the Executive’s commitments on climate action and energy transition.”
In December 2024, the Executive agreed to a temporary moratorium on petroleum licensing, following independent research, public consultation, and detailed assessment of the economic, environmental and social impacts.
Those assessments concluded that petroleum extraction would be inconsistent with the North’s obligations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to a low‑carbon energy system.
The Minister added: “Ending petroleum licensing allows us to focus our efforts on renewable energy, energy efficiency, and the emerging green technologies that will deliver real economic opportunity and support energy security.”
The Department for the Economy will now move to introduce the Bill to the Assembly at the earliest opportunity.
Notes to editors:
1. The Public Consultation Report can be viewed at www.economy-ni.gov.uk/publications/onshore-petroleum-licensing-policy-public-consultation-analysis
2. For media enquiries contact the Department for the Economy Press Office at pressoffice@economy-ni.gov.uk
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